Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
keelhaul
verb
/ˈkiːl.hɔːl/
Definition
To haul a person beneath the keel of a ship as punishment, often used historically as a form of severe discipline for sailors.
Examples
- The captain threatened to keelhaul any sailor caught stealing.
- In the olden days, pirates would keelhaul offenders to instill fear among the crew.
- After the mutiny, the rebellious sailor faced the grim fate of being keelhauled by his former comrades.
Meaning
Keelhaul refers to a harsh punishment where someone is pulled underwater, often beneath the ship, as a form of discipline.
Synonyms
- Punish
- Discipline
- Castigate
